Kolsch 45 | Short's Brewing Company

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Have to say this is a pretty tasty Kolsch style ale. Very smooth despite the 6.5% ABV. Some sweet malts mixed in with a good balance of hops. Almost fruit tasting. Body is crisp light to medium easy to crush. Overall worth the 2 bucks a pop!

L: Pours a clear golden yellow with hints of copper, and a small creamy white head that dissipates quickly and leaves no lacing on the glass.

S: Toasted malt, some sweet apple, notes of berries and a very slight hint of peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

T: Toasted malt and white sandwich bread, some sweet apple, notes of berries and a little citrus from the hops, plus a note of jelly. Also, I was distracted and drank this beer slowly, as it warms it really takes on a harsh bitterness.

F: Light body and carbonation

O: Not a bad beer, but don't let it get warm, as it becomes less enjoyable the warmer it gets.

To celebrate my upcoming return to Germany I decided to go with one of my favorite styles, Kolsch. (Haha! I just got the name... Colt 45 / Kolsch 45... cute.) I'm wondering what the "Northern Michigan twist" is though.

Appearance: It's hazier than I'd expect of the style but the color seems right and the head retention is pretty good. The lacing, however, could be better.

Aroma: I get a pleasant malt note and grassy hops in the aroma, along with the requisite yeasty fruitiness. It's hoppier than many examples, so maybe that's the Michigan twist.

Taste: The flavor follows, adding in a bit of sugary malt sweetness and a light hoppy spiciness. I'm even finding some banana, which is a bit odd (I don't think this is normal, I'm guessing that the yeast in this bottle has been up to a little work on its own, probably left for too long in a warm area). Firmly bitter and drying in the end with a lingering hoppy spiciness.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light in body and gently crisp as it should be. Easy across the palate, but with enough zest to garner your attention.

Overall: Once again I feel like I've got a sample that's a little long in the tooth, or 'worn', despite that fact that it's not even three months old yet. Still, I can see what this beer could be on a better day, and I'm pleased. It reminded me of a Kölsch that I had in a tiny restaurant in Berlin, just around the corner from "Trabi World" (I didn't take a Trabant tour, BTW, that's for tourists and I was with family and had a brand new BMW!). I can't recall the name of that beer, I'd never seen it before, and haven't since, but I remember the flavor and aroma. So, perhaps a slight bit sweet, but quite good overall. Nicely done, and massively quaffable!

Had this one in a variety pack a few years ago, so happy it's back again so I can give it a proper review. Pours a hazy pale gold color with a few fingers of fluffy head that dissolves to a white cap. Streaky lacing is left behind. Aroma is bright and big: biscuit malt, lemony cream, and some yeast esters reminiscent of Belgian ales. Surprised at that, I didn't recall that last time. All these are found in the flavor, as well as pear/apple and a peppery zip on the finish. Medium feel, fuller than I remembered, too. All in all, delicious and refreshing.